A Tuscaloosa judge ruled against Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako on February 9, denying his request for a preliminary injunction and ending his brief return to college play. Bediako, who had played five games for the Crimson Tide under a temporary restraining order, is now ineligible under NCAA bylaws. The decision reinforces restrictions on former professionals rejoining college sports.
Charles Bediako's attempt to resume college basketball after a professional stint ended abruptly when Judge Daniel Pruet of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court denied his motion for a preliminary injunction on February 9. Bediako, a 7-foot center, had returned to the University of Alabama following two seasons with the program, an undrafted 2023 NBA Draft entry, and time in the G League with teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons via Exhibit 10 contracts.
The ruling came after a hearing on February 6, where Bediako's counsel and NCAA representatives argued before Pruet. A temporary restraining order granted by Judge Jim Roberts on January 21—later extended by 10 days due to weather—had allowed Bediako to play in five games against Tennessee, Missouri, Texas A&M, Florida, and Auburn. In those appearances, he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, marking the first instance of a former pro returning to college basketball.
NCAA President Charlie Baker welcomed the decision in a statement: "Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the 'undo' button at the expense of a teenager's dream." Baker added, "While we're glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn't fix the national mess of state laws. It's time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability."
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey supported the NCAA in an affidavit, emphasizing the rules' role in preserving the integrity of college sports and opportunities for student-athletes. The University of Alabama expressed disappointment: "We are disappointed in today's court ruling, denying the injunction for Charles Bediako." The school noted that the NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 players with prior professional experience, such as those from G League Ignite or overseas, but prohibits returns like Bediako's after leaving for pro leagues.
The case featured procedural twists, including Roberts' recusal as an Alabama booster and a postponed hearing. An NCAA official confirmed no postseason penalties for Alabama, stating the selection committee will evaluate the team's March roster. Bediako's denial may influence other eligibility challenges, such as those by Tennessee's Joey Aguilar and Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss, though differences exist. Without Bediako, Alabama faces Ole Miss on February 11.
